The Bastard and the Lady

Summary: Alistair never thought he'd experience the feelings Kathryn Cousland caused in him, but with the blight, he'd best keep them to himself, especially after her first love miraculously reappears.

The Tournament

Alistair laid on his bunk in the templar
barracks, following the cracks in the ceiling as he had done for countless
nights since coming here. The barracks were empty except for him. Classes,
training, sparring practice, had all been canceled for the Warden Commander of
Ferelden had come to choose a recruit from among the templars to join the Grey
Wardens and a tournament was being held to display the best that the Chantry
had to offer.

Templars from all over Ferelden had come
including probably the three best warriors the Chantry had. Ser Kalvin of
Denerim, Ser Eryhn, a woman from Highever, and Ser Talrew of Lothering. Any
templar that wished to could compete, but initiates had to be granted permission
from Knight-Commader Glavin. Several had asked and been permitted to compete. Alistair
had asked, nearly begged to be allowed to enter the tournament but his request
had been flatly denied.

He had been so angry, furious in fact, which in
retrospect hadn't helped his cause any. He wanted so badly to compete, wanted
to be given at least the chance to be recruited and get out of this place,
wanted to do anything but be a templar. And, well... saving the world from
darkspawn sounded like a pretty good option. Besides becoming a Grey Warden was
a great honor. It wasn't that he wasn't good enough to compete at that that
level. He was. He knew that and so did the Knight-Commander. He was the best
warrior of all the initiates and he wasn't being allowed to compete. Why?
Because he wanted to, that's why.

It was a punishment, and he knew it. The
Knight-Commander had found something he wanted, something he cared about,
something to take away from him. Alistair had gotten used to the frequent
corporal punishment and actually liked working in the kitchen. There was
nothing they could do or threaten to do to make him submit and behave. They
could not send him home in disgrace, he had no home to go to and no family
honor to uphold. He was a trouble maker, willful, obstinate and not worthy of
being a templar but he was the best they had. He wanted out so they were going
to make sure he stayed. If he had been content here, a good initiate who never
caused trouble, they would let him go with a happy heart but now they held on
to him with spite. He tried to explain the irony of what they were doing but
they didn't care. This was payback for years of disobedience and disrespect. It
was vengeful and petty and there wasn't anything he could do about it.

He heard the horn, the tournament was about to
start. He should stay here, refused to be a part of it, show they hadn't beaten
him but they had and they all knew it. And he did want to see the matches. He
begrudeningly got up and made his way to the courtyard.

He walked around watching the fights. He fought
the rising anger at seeing those fight he knew he could best. He found where
the knights were competing but he had gotten there too late to get close enough
to see them. Then he thought he heard his name called. He looked around and saw
the Knight-Commander motioning for him to approach. Fantastic! he thought. They
weren't even going to let him watch.

Next to the Knight-Commander was a man, dark
skinned, black hair, Rivani. He had a calm demeanor, serious, but kind too
somehow. That must be the Grey Warden, he thought. Great. He gets called out in
front of the Warden Commander of Ferelden, destroying any small chance he had
of ever being recruited. This day just couldn't get any better.

The Knight-Commander looked as though he had
taken a bite of spoiled meat. He sighed and said "The Warden Commander
wants to see you fight. Go get your gear and try not to embarrass all of
us." At least, that's what Alistair thought he said, but it was so
incredible that he really didn't believe it. Alistair looked back and forth
between the two men. The Warden Commander smiled and nodded to him.

Alistair turned and ran out of the courtyard and
over several people on his way back to the barracks. He had to get his gear
before the Knight-Commander changed his mind. He charged through the doors,
running through the halls back to the armory. He grabbed his set of medium
grade splintmail. It was only grey iron and he was going to be at a distinct
disadvantage since most of the templars fought in their plate armor and the
initiates had been given heavy armor to compete in. But he'd just have to be
better. He buckled himself into the armor, grabbed a wooden templar kite shield
and a simple iron sword and ran back to the courtyard.

He forced his way through the crowd of onlookers
and combatants to the templar in charge of the matches. "I get to
fight!" He blurted out. The templar looked at him suspiciously.
"Knight-Commander said so. See look." He pointed to where the
Knight-Commander sat with the Grey Warden who nodded to the templar. Alistair
heard protests from some of the others that he had already missed the first
round and shouldn't be allowed to enter the competition. But he didn't care,
this was his chance and he didn't intend to waste it. The templar looked over
the list of the remaining fighters and pointed to one of the areas designed for
the matches.

Rules made clear: This was a skill contest. The
match was over when either one party conceded or was dealt what in the judges'
opinion would be a killing blow. His first match would be against another
initiate, the fourth son of a minor noble in the bannorn. At least it's better
than being a bastard, he was wont to say. We'll see, Alistair thought, this
isn't sparring practice. Alistair blocked several showy blows, let his opponent
feel good about pummeling him and then struck quickly and with force at the
first opportunity. The judges reluctantly called the match. The other initiate
protested but all three judges agreed. Alistair extended his hand but the
initiate refused it. Alistair had expected as much and for the most part didn't
care. He faked devastation at the slight. There were chuckles from the crowd.
Alistair looked up to see if the Grey Warden had seen his victory and to his
great surprise, he had.

The next match was against a templar in full
massive armor, who seemed almost insulted that he was being asked to fight an
initiate. Alistair was patient and good at his chosen discipline. He blocked
the blows he had to and avoided those he could. He was quicker in the lighter
armor and would tire less easily. He could afford to wait and let the templar
wear himself out, let him get frustrated by his lack of success, let him seethe
at the indignity of not being able to dispatch such an unworthy opponent.
Alistair could play the waiting game, watch... and wait... for the right...
opportunity and then... strike. Alistair swung his sword, just hard enough to
get his attention and then bashed him with the shield, knocking him back.
Before the templar could recover his footing, Alistair followed it up with
another bash. Then he changed targets and went after the templar’s sword. A
stunning blow to the templar's wrist and he dropped it. The templar tried to
retreat, to regroup and recover his weapon but Alistair in the lighter armor was
too quick. Another blow brought him to his knees. The match was called. There
was some light applause and again he extended his hand but the templar refused.
Alistair shrugged to the crowd and then, while trying not to be obvious about
it, checked to see if the Grey Warden was still watching him and to his
surprise, he was.

The next match was another templar. This one fought
with patience and skill. Alistair finally gained an edge and knocked the
templar to his back, with his sword at his throat the match was called.
Alistair again extended his hand and this time the templar took it. Alistair helped
him to his feet."Good match. Best one I've had today, obviously." He
smiled.

Alistair responded. "I got lucky."

"No," the templar said shaking his
head. "I am man enough to admit when I have been bested by my betters. You
are very good. Good luck to you."

Alistair fought several more matches and won
them all and qualified to advanced to the next round. He was the only initiate
still in the competition. Over and over and match after match, he bested each
opponent. Finally there were only four combatants left: Ser Kalvin of Denerim,
Ser Eryhn of Highever, Ser Talrow of Lothering and him.

His first match of the final round was with Ser
Kalvin. He tried to keep up with the flurry of strikes, many he blocked,
several to the great surprise of Ser Kalvin but there were too many and too
fast. He realized he couldn't beat him but was determined to last as long as
possible. Finally he felt the knight's blade at his throat and the match was
called. He extended his hand to Alistair who shook it. "Well fought."
he said.

"Thank you." Alistair responded.

"You're good, very good. It was an
honor." He said.

"Yes, thank you, you too. I mean it was an
honor for me as well." The knight smiled and walked away.

His next match was with Ser Eryhn. Alistair knew
that he had to win at least one match to even be considered for recruitment but
given the competition that seemed highly unlikely. As the match began, he knew immediately
he was outmatched but wanted to make a good showing. He tried attack after
attack but couldn't get any blow to land. He fell back into a defensive stance
and waited for an opening that never came. After several tries, he was finally
knocked back and the match called. She walked over to him as he regained his
footing. She extended her hand and he shook it. "Quite a match there. I'm
impressed and I don't say that often."

"Thank you." He replied.

"You have talent and skill and the intelligence
to use both. Most any idiot can pick up a sword and a shield and figure out how
to block with the one and strike with the other, but true mastery of the
discipline takes, talent, study, time and hard work. You show a great deal of
potential, keep working at it. Maker watch over you." She smiled and
walked away.

The last match was with Ser Talrow of Lothering.
It was a grueling battle of attrition that he knew he couldn't win. Finally,
exhausted, he took one more blow than he was able and collapsed to the ground.
The match was called. He had lost the three final matches and no doubt any
chance he had at being recruited. He tried to get up but couldn't. "Stay
down." He heard the knight say. "Take deep, slow breaths. Don't try
to stand ‘till breathing is normal and your vision clears." Alistair took
several deep breaths and then as he tried to stand the knight picked him up
from under his arms and raised him to his feet.

"Good match. I was almost worried."
The knight smiled. "What's your name again? Alastin?"

Alistair’s whole body hurt. He stiffly walked
over to the edge of the courtyard and sat down and then fell back upon the
ground. Soon the Knight-Commander would announce the winner and who the recruit
would be. He knew it was useless but he prayed anyway. As hard as he ever had
in his life. He doubted the Maker would answer such a prayer but he prayed
anyway.

He opened his eyes and saw the Knight-Commander
and the Grey Warden approach and slowly got to his feet.

"Here is your recruit." the
Knight-Commander said with obvious distaste.

Alistair looked to him and then to the Grey
Warden and blurted out "But I didn't win the tournament!"

The Grey Warden said "I did not ask for the
tournament, nor did I offer recruitment as its prize. I came here seeking a
warrior of character and I believe I have found him"

Alistair was taken back and stood there with his
mouth hanging open. 'Warrior of character' that sounded a lot better than 'troublemaker
with willful streak' that's for sure. Finally the Grey Warden said "Why
don't you go collect your things. We leave immediately." Alistair nodded
and as quickly as he was able made his way to the barracks.

He went to his bunk. He looked through his
things. There was so little there, few pairs of socks and small clothes, couple
change of clothes. He didn't even really want to risk taking the time to
change. Figured if they really wanted the old rusty splintmail and now cracked
shield he would let them have them and walk out of this place naked. He put his
hand under the pillow and pulled out a book he had long ago borrowed from the
monastery's library Tales of Calenhad. He put it on the bed and then took off his initiate's amulet and
threw it next to it. He grabbed his pack and made his way to the front doors.

As he approached he heard voices talking and
whoever they were, they were not happy. It was the Grey Warden and another
voice, female... the Grand Cleric... Alistair felt his heart sink. He turned
the corner and saw the Grey Warden standing facing the Grand Cleric who had not
only a few templars behind her but several members of the Denerim city guard.
This was not good.

He stepped up and heard the Grey Warden say,
"I do not see the problem. I requested permission to choose a recruit from
among the ranks of the templars. The tournament was held for that
purpose."

"But you were not given permission to
choose an initiate." she said. Oh no, Alistair couldn't believe it. She
wasn't going to stop him, not now.

"If that was an issue why were other
initiates allowed to compete?" He asked.

The Grand Cleric had no answer and said "He
was not to be allowed to compete."

"Why? It would seem that since he made it
to the final round he had more than enough skill and talent." He stopped
letting the Grand Cleric know that he knew she had no answer, or at least no
answer she wanted to give.

"You would interfere with a templar's duty
to the Maker, to protect his world from magic." The Grand Cleric said
trying to change the focus of the conversation.

"The duty of the Grey Wardens is the
greatest in the Maker's world for if we fail it will not matter if magic is
unsanctioned or not for the world itself will fall. When a Blight comes, will
the templars be willing to stand against the might of a darkspawn hoard and
fight an archdemon. For if they wish to take on that responsibility I will
gladly retire today."

"There has not been a Blight in over 400
years." The Grand Cleric said.

"So that means there will not be another one?”
Duncan said. “For that is the same thing that was said after the First Blight,
the Second Blight and the Third Blight, but each time another came, and each
time only the Grey Wardens stood against it."

The Grand Cleric looked to Alistair and said
"I will not allow his recruitment." Alistair was crushed. He started
to speak, to beg if he had to, but the Grey Warden grabbed his arm. "Then
you leave me no choice." Duncan said. "I will conscript him."

Her eyes widened. "What?"

"I have the right given to the Grey Wardens
by King Maric to conscript anyone I choose into the Grey Wardens."
Alistair realized that the Grey Warden had pulled rank on the Grank Cleric. There
was nothing more respected in Ferelden than the name of the king who had freed it
from the Orleasians. He could see the soldiers waiver, as willing as they had
been to obey the word of the Grand Cleric, they may not be so willing to go
against the will of the king.

"You would... risk... do that." She
said obviously surprised.

"That I take such a drastic measure should
prove to you how much I believe that he will serve the Maker better as a Grey
Warden than a templar." Alistair could tell she was fuming. She decided to
change tactics and turned her attention to him.

"Alistair, is this what you truly wish?"
She said.

Duncan spoke up "It does not matter what he
wishes. I have conscripted him. He has no choice in the matter." Alistair
knew that the Grey Warden was taking the fight and the responsibility on
himself. He knew that Alistair wanted to leave, wanted to be recruited. He had
faced and stood up to the Grand Cleric, risked her wrath to help him. No one
had ever done anything like that for him... ever.

The Grand Cleric knew she had lost and didn't
like it but she had no choice. If the Warden Commander was willing to push the
issue she knew that Cailan would uphold the order of his father. She addressed
Alistair. "If you are to go, I must ask one thing of you. You are not yet
a templar, you have not yet taken your final vows. One of those vows is an oath
to the Maker that you will never reveal templar secrets to anyone. It is vital
to the security and safety of all templars that these secrets are not revealed.
So I must ask that you give me your word, your solemn promise before the Maker
that you will never reveal any templar secrets to anyone... not even to the
Grey Wardens."

Alistair looked to Duncan, who slightly nodded
to him. He looked back to the Grand Cleric and croaked "Yes, I give you my
word."

She looked appeased and said dismissively
"Then good luck and Maker watch over you." She walked away.

"Come." the Grey Warden said. They
walked by the guards and out of the chantry's door. "By the way," The
Grey Warden said as they stepped into the evening air. "My name is
Duncan."

Ayesha Shaikh:
I love the twists. 😆I like how the writer describes everyone's point of view and the character development. I'm gonna read all the books by this author (current and upcoming). She's one of my favorites now. The spelling mistakes are normal no big deal, the amazing plot makes up for it. Thank you ...

genlynne2379:
I read the other review of this book and I must say that I disagree with it wholeheartedly. I do not believe the author put the apostrophes in the names just to be unique, but because the characters are supposedly of a different race than humans. They are Anmah. They should have different names a...

Alkira Joan:
Great story, I found it hard to read especially the dialogue. You just need to fix up some spelling errors and the gramma .I enjoyed this book. was a little hard to get though.,.,..,.,.,,..,.,.,, , , , ,.,, , , , , , , ,., , ,.,,,,,

Jade Niday:
This book kept me interested and wanting more. I fell in love with the characters and the plot. This book never has a dull moment. It has action, suspense and even love. Can't wait to find out what happens next

Bri Hoffer:
I couldn't put it down!! The characters are all incredibly likable, and it's so descriptive you can see, smell, and feel thier surroundings. Great story, and very well written. I cannot wait for follow up stories. there were a few grammatical errors, but nothing that I could move right over.

Sandra Estrada:
I loved every minute of it and I thank my lucky stars that brought me to the story, it's been a whirlwind of emotions, plot twist after plot twist but I never got tired of them. Abby and Kade's story is a hard one to understand but once you're submerged in their story and love, you can't help but...

Alex Rushmer:
Chapter One: Not much is happening in this chapter, but I was absolutely fascinated by the depth of your character development. I love how you just sat there with the reader and explored Eddward. Usually, that sort of thing gets boring very fast, but this was actually really cool! He's so unique ...

Stephen Warner:
To start off, I am thoroughly impressed. The writing style is somewhat unique, and the plot seemed to move at a nice and steady pace. However, I was not expecting this to be a vampire book! I am usually not one for novels about vampires, but I was pleasantly surprised! You wrote with such grace a...

ernbelle:
When I first started this story I was a little unsettled by all of the information that appears in the prologue, and wasn't sure if I would continue. However, I am very glad I did. The plot was very well thought out and really interesting. There were not any page breaks or markers to acknowledge ...

maewilde25:
I am so in love with this story!!! captivated me till the very end, there wasn't a dull moment. Didn't particularly enjoy the lay out and some bits of info was missing along with how a 21 year old man amassed so much wealth that needed to be explained other than that and a few spelling errors, th...

Samantha Speed:
There were several punctuation, grammar, and missing word problems but it did not detract from the story. This story was very well done, enjoyable, and had an interesting enough plot. It took a while to finish. This story is not complete. I love it, but I want to see another book or have more cha...

amarin8388:
Bottom Line: I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Science Fiction. During my reading, I thought many times that this would make a good story for a movie. It reminded me of the StarWars movie franchise, not because of the plot but because of the diversity of chara...

Alkira Joan:
I omg I am honestly speechless I couldn't stop cry it's so sad I wish it had a better ending and they would all be happy and the end is their going to be a second book?thanks for the amaZing story xoxox

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